Are Greenbrier Blvd residents being selfish? Wednesday, Feb 15 2012 

Uncategorized CC 4:03 pm

“The University of West Florida’s ambitious master plan that would open access to the sprawling campus’ west side ran head-on into opposition from Greenbrier Boulevard residents Monday.”- PNJ 2/6/12

http://www.pnj.com/article/20120207/NEWS01/202070321/UWF-s-Campus-Master-Plan-draws-neighbors-ire-forum

The UWF mast plan includes, a neighborhood of 100 to 200 single family homes intended for graduate older and married students, a “University Park” of classrooms, housing retailers and basketball and football stadiums, a “Greek Village” for the fraternity and sorority community, and a division with a hotel, conference center and restaurants.

According to PNJ, In order to execute this plan UWF will have to widen Greenbrier Boulevard to four lanes, which is currently a narrow, two-lane street that traverses the Scenic Hills golf course neighborhood — and extending the now-dead-end road into the main core of the campus. Greenbrier Boulevard houses eight subdivisions and over 500 houses and that is why residents are in an uproar over the impending traffic and construction that their neighborhood will endure.

Are Greenbrier Boulevard residents being selfish? I think the long-term benefits out weigh the short-term construction. The master plan is so that more students can be accommodated and isn’t education top priority in the U.S? I think that the master plan is great and that we should be excited about it. I think that building a parking lot will cut down on student stress over fighting for spots and getting to class late. A football stadium will promote school spirit and camaraderie.

UWF is known for its nature trails and beautiful campus and I believe it can still have that reputation, and now with the master plan it can also be a modern student friendly environment as well. Sure there are some changes to the campus that will take away some of its natural beauty but there will also be changes that will add to students moral.

For more information on the UWF master plan check out this link:

http://www.thevoyager.net/2012/02/northeast-campus-expansion-to-include-a-conference-center-commercial-restaurants-hotel/

 

UWF Master Plan Sunday, Feb 12 2012 

Uncategorized CC 5:17 pm

I’ve read in the Voyager that the master plan for the UWF campus calls for the construction of a football stadium, multiple parking garages, and a road that would encircle campus. the proposal also calls for a 125-150 -room hotel and up to a 10,000 sq ft convention center to be developed on 16 acres at the northwest corner of Campus Drive and US 90.The UWF hotel would partner with the University’s hospitality management program to give students real-world experience as undergraduates.

There is also new campus housing currently being built. The Presidents Hall will feature a lobby or community center where students can go get snacks and hang out. Due to the renovations and new building, an increase in student housing fees is expected to incur in the fall 2012 semester. A 6 percent rental increase was proposed at the SGA meeting last week. I attended the meeting and wrote an article for the Voyager on the expected increase of housing fees.

I think that the master plan is a great idea for UWF and I believe it will attract more students. There is a few story memo’s that I thought up from the plan. I think it would be interesting to see what the resident students think of a 6 percent rental increase and if they think its worth it. I also would be interested in how many people would try out for the football team. Another good article would be about how much more energy UWF will put out due to the new renovations. Lastly, an article about how the renovations will effect the nature reserve on campus, would be interesting as well.

 

Saving Pelican #895 Sunday, Feb 5 2012 

Uncategorized CC 8:18 pm

I just watched a documentary film in my environmental class called, “Saving Pelican #895.” The film takes you on a journey with a young pelican who was rescued from the BP oil spill. I really enjoyed the film and I think that it did a good job of showing what these birds go through after being rescued from an oil spill or some other disaster.
According to the film, 7,000 birds died from the BP oil spill in the Gulf Coast. That number may seem small in comparison with the growing number of bird species throughout the world, but regardless the number is still devastating. The film mostly followed pelicans which are native to the Gulf Coast. It showed how magnificent these birds are and how strong their will to survive is.
The film stated that 1,246 birds were successfully rescued and released back into the wild after the spill. That number is significantly smaller then the 7,000 that died, but it is still impressive.
The film also said that there are 3,400 oil well plat forms that operate in the Gulf. I couldn’t believe this number. I think that is a lot wells in one area and something should be done about condensing them. the Gulf is just asking for another repeat of the BP oil spill with that many plat forms.
Overall, I really enjoyed the documentary and I thought it was filmed beautifully. It was sad to see these birds struggle with the effects of the oil but I’m glad I watched it and learned about pelicans.
If you are interested in viewing this film, you can find it on YouTube under “Saving Pelican #895.”